Conversion of Leipzig Zoo to be completed in 2028

The modernization of Leipzig Zoo, which has been underway for a quarter of a century, is due to be completed in 2028. By then, the last three projects from the "Zoo of the Future" master plan should also be implemented, as Director Jörg Junhold said. Around 250 million euros have been invested so far.

Three projects are still outstanding

Since the turn of the millennium, the old facilities at the zoo have been replaced by modern themed worlds. Many outdated cages and animal houses have given way to more spacious enclosures. New major projects such as the construction of the giant tropical hall "Gondwanaland" have also been added. The last three projects are the renovation of the historic terrarium and the construction of "Tierra del Fuego", an enclosure for seals, penguins and sea lions, and the "Asian Island Worlds".

Originally, 200 million German marks had been budgeted for the master plan, said Junhold. However, these earlier figures no longer stood up to today's construction prices and general cost increases. 30 percent of the investment had come from the City of Leipzig, while Zoo Leipzig GmbH had financed the rest itself through income, loans and subsidies.

150th anniversary of the zoo in 2028

Zoo Leipzig will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2028. The contract with director Junhold, who has been in office since 1997, runs until 2031.